Planning to take your business global from India or preparing for an overseas endeavor involving cross-border transactions of goods? Import-Export Code is mandatory. The IEC code is a 10-digit identifying number issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Failure to get IEC registration may attract legal consequences, ranging from denial of shipment at port. That stated, here is the correct and updated legal guide on how to apply for an Import Export License in India.
How to Apply for an Import Export License: Prerequisites Before You Know
Here’s what you need to know before deciding how to apply for an import export license.
- Entity Details: Individual PAN, Firm, Private Limited Company, LLP, or Society.
- Entity/Identity Proof: Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or Aadhaar Card (for proprietorships)
- Address Proof – Electricity bill, rent agreement, or property ownership proof for business address.
- Bank Information: Details of a valid bank account and a canceled cheque or bank certificate indicating the name of the account holder and account number.
- Verification Medium: OTP verification through mobile number/email ID linked to Aadhaar or a valid Class-3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Steps for Obtaining an Import Export License
How to Apply for an Import- Export License:
- Register on the DGFT Official Website. Go to the DGFT official website[1] and click on Register. Choose your user profile as ‘Importer/Exporter’ and enter basic contact information. To confirm registration, an OTP is delivered to your registered cell and email.
- Click on the Application Form. Log in to your account, choose Services from the top menu, then choose IEC Profile Management and Apply for IEC.
- Fill out Form ANF-2A. Enter the required information about your business: General Details: Name of Entity, Date of Birth/Incorporation, and Nature of Concern (Proprietorship, Private Limited, etc.)
- Branch Details: Specify any branch offices operating under the same PAN.
- Details of the Director/Partner Names, PAN numbers, residential addresses, and contact details of the directors/partners.
- Bank Account Details: Bank name, branch code, IFSC, and account number. Supporting Documents Required for Upload: Please upload clear and legible copies of your canceled check/bank certificate and proof of business address in PDF or JPEG format.
- Official Government Fee Payment: Pay the official application fee of ₹500 via Bharatkosh integrated payment gateway using UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Cards.
- E-Sign and Submit: Complete the submission by Aadhaar e-Sign (OTP to the UIDAI-linked mobile number) or Class-3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Download Your Certificate: Once successfully validated, your IEC will be automatically generated by the system. Your certificate can be downloaded quickly from your portal dashboard, and you will also get a copy via email.
Annual Compliance Requirements
Once you have an IEC, there is an annual obligatory update (between April 1 and June 30 every year) through the DGFT portal—even if there are no changes in your business details. If no update is submitted, the IEC is automatically deactivated till the update is submitted.
Also Read: MCA Indian Accounting Standards Amendment Rules 2026
FAQs
1. Do I need an IEC to export digital services or software online?
No, you do not require an IEC for export of services/digital items unless you are looking to avail of export incentives and benefits under the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) or duty credit scrips.
2. Is a person or corporation allowed to have more than one IEC?
No. IEC allocation is tightly matched to a single PAN. Only one IEC will be issued against a PAN, irrespective of the number of business verticals, trade names, or branch offices functioning under the same PAN.
3. If an IEC is not used for foreign transactions, does it expire?
There is no formal expiry date for an IEC, and it remains current indefinitely, provided you undertake the obligatory annual online update between April and June each year. DGFT marks inactive IECs that are not updated.
4. What happens if my IEC application is rejected or recognized as deficient?
In case there is any shortfall (such as bank details not matching or address proof not legible) on the DGFT system or by the DGFT official, you will be intimated through email/SMS. You can log in to your DGFT portal account and react to the deficiency notice and re-upload the amended papers and resubmit without paying the application cost again.
5. Is a GSTIN necessary for an Import Export Code?
GSTIN is not needed at the time of filing for an IEC (say if your turnover is below the GST registration threshold or you are trading only in GST-exempt goods). But if your firm is registered under GST, then you need to link your GSTIN to your IEC profile at the time of registration to ensure smooth customs clearance.
